Oh.

April 22, 2010 – Gyeongju, Korea

Like any other country, each local is responsible in continuing the prestige his country’s heroes and ancestors have built in the time where freedom is an underrated word all over the world. One’s sacrifice is one’s enjoyment as the cliché goes.

About hundreds of students watched the heart-thrilling historical war show as part of their educational trip in Shilla Millenium Park. This show involves fight between two warriors with their allies, dancing by the beat of the local and few special effects on city wall splitting in two, emerging of giant sword and treasure box and expulsion of white smokes during the battle at sea.

Stadium

April 27, 2010 – Seoul, Korea

The heart-pumping championship game between Lakers and Celtics took place just a while ago, leaving Lakers supporters all pleased as they dust off to continue their office work. I’ve got hundred of friends’ statuses talking about this game. And I am left with only little information about it. Haha.

The most nearest I had come to a historical sports venue is in Seoul. This is the World Cup Stadium boasting as one of the 20 venues of 2002 FIFA World Cup. The 2002 FIFA World Cup was the first World Cup held in Asia, the last in which the “golden goal” rule was implemented, and the first tournament in World Cup history to be hosted by two countries, South Korea and Japan.

With a seating capacity of 68,476, there is no way Korean fans can never witness their team fought in the international football competitions. South Korea became the first and only Asian team to reach the semi-finals. They are considered as one of the most successful international football teams in Asia. And because of such humbling experience and international recognition, the stadium has been continually renovated to a more exemplary venue for sports competitions in the future.

Oh My, Books!

April 27, 2010 – Seoul, Korea

We were not anywhere near but I asked Mame if I can go alone to Gangnam while she do her last minute shopping. I stumbled on an article the night before about Goo Hye Sun’s Tango book signing in Kyobo Bookstore. Although it was not the same branch, it is the largest they have and thought that they must have it.

I had 2 hour-alone-in-a-foreign-city experience like a wet chicken in the long stretched district of Gangnam. It was raining and I didn’t have an umbrella. I need to find someone who I can talk to and help me find the book. The people in the counter are of no help. An english speaking visitor volunteered to accompany me. She asked me if I can read korean.

“No, but I will buy it so I can read it after I learned the language.” And I was mouth agape.

I Was Queen Seon Deok For A Short Time

April 22, 2010 – Gyeongju, Korea

When we went Shilla Millenieum Park, the shooting venue of the drama series Queen Seon Deok, we wore the traditional dress of Korea — the hanbok. The above photo is the Jeogori, the basic upper garment that covers the arms and upper part of the wearer’s body. This one has shoulder pads and is only one of the many designs of hanbok. Koreans has introduced number of designs that combine traditional beauty and modern simplicity.

I believe I wore Princess Cheon Myeong’s pink and blue hanbok, with an embroidered patterns on black belt above my waist and some gold ornaments hanging from it.